MPFBC Christmas 2009

I have been "hearing" about a program from the boys for weeks now. Everyday they come home from school and they tell me about their songs and Bear shows me how he must act taking care of Mary and baby Jesus. I thought since I had taught music and had done a couple of programs I had a good idea of what we were in for, but what a surprise. I tend to not go gaga when my boys do thing, just not my personality, but when Alfred and I went to our seat on the front row dead center I felt like I had little child stars. Seriously the pregnancy hormones were flowing! Barrett and Melissa, his classmate and friend, played Joseph and Mary. Barrett adores Melissa and he told me several afternoons when he came home from school that it was his job to take care of her. From the beginning he did just that and was an absolute doll. I don't use that word often for Barrett but somehow he wasn't my rough strong-willed opinionated child he was truly Joseph.

Brock's class were the heavenly host and oh my was Brock a true angel. Because of his personality this wasn't a stretch but he outdid my expectations and once again showed his love for music. He sang so loudly and smiled. He had told me he didn't like his halo and when I saw him I couldn't help but laugh. I am not sure if there was not one that fit but he looked as if he had a crazy-lady's hat atop his head. But somehow it looked perfect perched on his head! Am I gushing, my I sure hope so. I am their Mother and I adore them more than any other so if I can't gush no one can:)

I thought back on the dozens of plays I did at Marion First Baptist and Avondale Elementary School. Did I give my teachers fits? No doubt. Did my sweet Mother often shake her head and wonder why she cast her own child in the Christmas play? Every year. But now as a Mother I can also imagine that melted away on opening night when I did the unexpected and delivered my lines and sang like the angels. The joy of being Barrett and Brock's Mother is in the hundreds of little things, and occasionally the big ones!

Where does the time go? I can't believe these two monkeys and how quickly they've grown. We get wrapped up in this lifetime and the day to day weights that it brings but oh how brief our time on this planet. Before I can blink they will be calling from halfway around the world or maybe if I am lucky across town. As we get ready for all the fun of this season I am reminded to soak it all in. All the wonder through their eyes of the baby Jesus and the surprises that only Santa can bring. I am thrilled they love to wake up and come kiss my face first thing in the morning, and I am blessed they are on loan from Jesus for my keeping...even if it is for only a blink:)

Soon pictures like this will be scarce, the boys will have to share the spotlight with their little brother or sister. But for now at least they are happy posing for pictures as we make homemade pizza. I am very grateful that they love each other so much and they wake up each morning excited to play together.

Since beginning Kindergarten Bear brings home his work from the day along with a picture he's drawn for Brock. Last week he brought home one that brought tears to my eyes. He drew a picture of him and his brother holding hands under a rainbow. When he gave it to Brock he said, "You will always be my best friend." I could not have asked for a sweeter more perfect moment right then. They weren't talking to me, Bear wasn't doing it to get favor with me. He did that simple act because his brother loves his pictures and at this stage of their young lives they truly are the best of friends.

Fall 2009

I know that everyday I wake up I am one day closer to being with my Savior and one day closer to eternity. I think we tend to forget that with our business and short attention spans. I am so grateful to be using my time here on this planet to teach and train these little men. I am not worthy to be their Mommy but I am so incredibly grateful to have to opportunity to make memories and to instill truth into their little lives. They are such a joy and make me strive to be the best Mommy I can possible be for them. As I dream of this next precious child that God is forming within me, I pray that the boys will know our love is the same and overflowing. I want our family to be completely centered on Jesus and giving Him all the praise for the perfection He has created in this unit. If I sound over the top then good, I don't think we can ever have enough praise for the blessing of our children. It is not by accident that scriptures talks about the relationship between children and parents. This is at the heart of our Savior. So it too should be at our very center.

Milkshake with my brother

It is incredible to watch these two monkeys. I am so thankful that God allowed these two to be born so close together. They are very different but they are such good friends. Every morning Alfred and I listen to them begin their morning so happy playing Lego's and talking to each other. Barrett is generally giving instructions and Brock sweetly listening to his big brother. In the last several months they have fallen into this incredible rhythm and they are both so giving and kind with the other. I feel guilty at times because they play and entertain each other for so long that they don't need me like they one did. I suppose that too is God's way of "planning" our family since we are having a new baby in May 2010. Oh wait did I forget to mention that:)

Burgess monkey #3 was OBVIOUSLY a God thing and although a huge shock we are thrilled. Causing me/us to lean a little harder on our Jesus. On Tuesday I have an ultrasound and we will see and hear the baby, I can't wait for that! I sometimes wonder why God chose this timing and this path for us but then I look at Bear and Brock as I choke back tears and simply say thank you to a God bigger than me or my questions!

A new season

It is so hard to figure out why this is like a dream. Maybe because we lived in this house before or maybe because I have dreamed of the boys being this particular age for so long. Whatever is the case this is a surreal and wonderful season we've just entered into as a family. As of today we have been in our house in Stone Mountain for 2 weeks. Barrett has been in Kindergarten for 2 weeks and absolutely loves it. He gets in the van ever afternoon so excited to tell me what he's learned and show me his "homework". I honestly pray he ALWAYS has this zeal for school. Brock and I have had the gift of time. The two of us have never had this kind of time without big brother and although he is lonely at times I know he is loving it as much as I am. He is such an amazing helper and has the most gentle nature. I am so blessed by the incredible differences that compliment each of my boy's personalities. It is a joy. I have so many little stories from the move that I am going to take the time and blog over the next few weeks. Things I don't want to forget as the monkeys grow and mature. I want to remember this special time and this season just as it is right now, crisp and fresh!!

Beginnings of our move to Cross Pointe

So it's official and it's really happening, we are moving back and yes I did say back to Atlanta or rather Stone Mountain. In 2 short weeks we will be leaving this wonderful city, Austin, and going to begin a new chapter in the never boring Burgess story. I am filled with excitement and anticipation as this journey begins. Cross Pointe Church will be our new home and Alfred is going to be the Family Pastor under Dr. James Merritt. Pretty cool God-size stuff if you ask me. Now I only need God-size patience. Eh, not to much to ask Him, he daily gives me doses:)

At the present I have a great deal of things running through my head about our time here with our GHBC family but I am letting that simmer a few more days before I blog.